The Daily Dozen
The Daily Dozen is a "to-do" list of twelve items that I have found to be essential to feel happiness and serenity in my life. I encourage you to begin doing the Daily Dozen and see how it helps you in your life.
The first five goals in the Daily Dozen are spiritual goals to help you connect with Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost every morning. The last seven goals are simple, practical suggestions for taking care of yourself that will quickly improve your feeling of happiness and high self-esteem.
1. Pray for a Heart Full of Gratitude
As you kneel and pray for a heart full of gratitude each morning, you’ll find yourself appreciating what you do have instead of worrying about what you don’t have. Prayer is a three-way friendship with the Godhead. Heavenly Father will shower you with his love, Jesus Christ will strengthen and lift you up, and the Holy Ghost will be your constant companion to bring you peace, comfort, and guidance.
2. Read or Recite the 13 Choices for Happiness and High Self-Esteem
As you read the 13 Choices each day, you will begin to internalize these positive affirmations. You will discover true happiness and high self-esteem as you consciously make these choices a part of your daily life.
3. Listen to a Song about Jesus Christ
When you listen to or sing songs about Jesus Christ first thing in the morning, you will feel close to Him throughout the day. Music has been clinically proven to improve the functioning of your brain in powerful ways. Music will energize you, soothe you, and heal your broken heart as you carefully select uplifting, inspiring music that helps you feel the close to the Lord.
4. Study Scriptures & Focus on Faith
By taking time to seriously study the scriptures each day, either by chapter or by topic, your knowledge and understanding will deepen and your faith in God and faith in yourself will increase. There is a spiritual power that only comes through daily scripture study, which helps you enjoy and appreciate each day and prepares you to withstand the challenges up ahead.
5. Write in Journal & Record a Positive Wish
Writing a brief highlight of each day’s activities in your journal preserves memories that can be recalled and appreciated later. It also keeps you in the habit of writing. When those special events or spiritual experiences happen, which really should be recorded, you will remember to write them down. Writing a “positive wish”—something you really desire to do—will increase your motivation to accomplish your righteous goals each day.
6. Sleep 8 Hours
Getting a good night’s sleep is an essential priority—don’t skimp on sleep. Studies show that productivity increases when you’re well rested. Taking an afternoon power nap, when you start to feel sleepy, helps rejuvenate many people. Never push the snooze (procrastination) button when the alarm rings when you know you need to get up.
7. Exercise 30 Minutes
Exercising for 30 minutes a day brings great health benefits and positive feelings from natural endorphins. Aerobics, weight lifting, yoga, stretching, and competitive sports all improve your health, so find a variety of activities you enjoy doing and not get bored. Walking outdoors helps you connect with nature and feel close to God.
8. Eat Healthy Food & Drink 8 Cups of Water
Eating nutritious, well-balanced meals and snacks throughout the day will help you feel less stressed and more energetic. Avoid processed foods with artificial ingredients and excess sugar; choose wisely what you put into your body. Feeling drained and fatigued is a sign of dehydration—there are many health benefits from drinking plenty of water.
9. Shower and Dress & Brush and Floss Teeth
Good grooming affects your attitude so choose to look nice for yourself every day. Take a shower, wash your hair, and get dressed in clean clothes and you’ll feel refreshed and more positive about life. Showering isn’t just good for the body, it’s also good for the spirit. Dental hygiene is important for excellent health. Brush your teeth morning and night and floss once a day. You can brush your teeth more often during the day for a quick energy boost.
10. Record Expenses & Live Within Income
To avoid debt, have a daily financial accounting. Plan a budget and live within your income as you pay 10% for tithing, 10% for savings, and 80% for necessities before luxuries. This thought once came to me: “If you’re not in control of your money, you’re not in control of your life.” This is true!
11. Make Bed & Clean Bedroom
You’ll feel happier and less depressed if you keep your own personal space neat and orderly. A clean bedroom can be your retreat and will allow you to enjoy a sense of control and peace. The skills you learn when keeping your bedroom clean can also be used in other parts of the house over time.
12. Relax and Play & Be Cheerful and Smile!
Relaxing and having a little fun each day really lifts your spirits and helps you think more clearly. Choosing to smile and be cheerful will help you feel more optimistic about life and stay happier throughout the day, as well as being a positive influence on everyone around you.
5 Minute Magical Morning Devotional
Start each day by spending at least 5 minutes on #1-5 in the Daily Dozen when you first wake up in the morning! It is truly magical how your day goes so much better when you do these five essential activities first thing in the morning. You will think more clearly and be more focused on achieving your goals for the day when you are empowered with the consistency of a spiritually uplifting morning devotional.
Try to spend 30 minutes a day studying the gospel of Jesus Christ and filling your spiritual reservoirs. This will give you the power to endure difficult tasks, trials, and temptations that might come along. If you don’t have time to spend a full 30 minutes when you first wake up in the morning, then spend at least 5 minutes! On busy mornings, study the gospel later in the day or before going to bed at night.